SOS amphibians 2026

Avigliana is also engaged this year in the campaign to protect the ecosystem of the Natural Park. The Night of the Toads will have two events, on February 27 and March 6. Closed from February 16 to March 15, the section of via Grignetto affected by the migration of animals towards the Mareschi marsh.

Avigliana, February 11, 2026 – The SOS Amphibians Campaign returns this year to protect the frogs, toads, and salamanders that migrate from the Grignetto-Bertassi woods, where they spend the winter, to reproduce in the Mareschi Marsh.

A sensitization project for the protection of amphibians that last year gained widespread media attention thanks to host and comedian Luciana Littizzetto, who spoke about the initiative on Radio Deejay, and the report by Lorenza Castagneri on TgR Piemonte, recorded during the "Night of the Toads." Therefore, in 2026, the municipal administration, together with the Ecovolunteers group and the managing body of the protected areas of the Cottian Alps, is launching initiatives for the protection of these species, involving adults, students, and families in safeguarding the environment in the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park. Unfortunately, on the route to the wetlands, many specimens risk losing their lives while crossing the road. Continuing from last year's successful experience, the section of via Grignetto affected by the animals' migration will again be closed during times of low vehicle traffic and high fauna passage.

It has been confirmed that vehicle traffic causes high mortality rates among amphibians, putting the survival of the species at risk. As has happened in previous campaigns, the road closure will also allow Park staff to move freely and safely for scientific census and study activities. The closure will be active from February 16 to March 15, inclusive, from 8 PM to 7 AM and will be limited to the section between the Grignetto hamlet and the Case Dino hamlet, which will remain accessible. Based on weather conditions, two events of the "Night of the Toads" are scheduled for Friday, February 27, and Friday, March 6, 2026, accompanied by park rangers, to discover these special animals and help them reach their breeding sites in the Mareschi Marsh.

“Last year's experience – says Andrea Remoto, Councilor for Agriculture and Forests – ensured good protection for the animals. The direction is therefore the right one to safeguard this important biodiversity present in our territory. We ask for the cooperation of citizens to contribute to the protection of the magnificent environment in which we live and of an important ecological corridor in our area.”

“In these days – adds Fabio Santo, responsible for oversight of the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park – we count an average of over 20 toads squashed by vehicles every night along about a kilometer of road. It is therefore essential to limit vehicle traffic as much as possible on that section, to allow safe crossing during peak periods and to continue intensive monitoring that will provide us with the scientific tools to assess the effectiveness of the measure.”

To raise awareness among the population about the ecological value of the species that inhabit the woods and wetlands around the Avigliana Lakes, an informative brochure titled "Amphibians. Instructions for Use" published by the Managing Body of the Cottian Alps Protected Areas is being distributed. The brochure is available for download here.